Patterns and determinants of pediatric dermatologic care in the United States: An evaluation of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2009 to 2015

Abstract Background Dermatologists and other providers play essential roles in managing the dermatologic care of pediatric patients. This study aims to identify patterns and elucidate factors associated with receiving dermatologic care in the United States. Methods The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) was used to identify pediatric patients with dermatologic diagnoses from 2009 to 2015. Clinical and demographic information were evaluated, and visit diagnoses were stratified based on provider type (dermatologists vs. non‐dermatologists). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify key predictors of outpatient dermatology care for pediatric patients. National estimates of diagnoses were procured using weights provided within the NAMCS database to project disease incidence. Results A total of 85,217,557 pediatric patients (survey‐weighted) were observed during the study period. Of the sampled patients, 29.3% were evaluated by dermatologists, while 70.7% were seen by non‐dermatology providers. Atopic dermatitis was the most common diagnosis encountered by dermatologists in ages 0–3 years, while unspecified contact dermatitis was the most common diagnosis reported by non‐dermatologists in all age groups. On multivariable logistic regression, ≥1 year of age, Caucasian race, private insurance versus Medicaid, residence in a metropolitan area, referral from another provider, and longer appointment wait time were associated with an increased likelihood of being evaluated by a dermatologist compared to a non‐dermatologist. Conclusions Non‐dermatologists are responsible for the majority of pediatric dermatologic care. For pediatric patients, health disparities by race, insurance status, and rurality present significant challenges to being evaluated by a dermatologist.